Hello,

I am taking a cruise to Europe and I'm having a hard time trying to choose the excursions in Nice, Marseille, Naples and Tunisia. Can anyone provide some insight on their experiences of these places? For example, in Nice, there are many excursions, i.e. Monaco, Eze, Nice, St. Paul de Vence. The same for Naples, i.e. Capri, Sorrento, Pompeii. On these tours, sometimes you can do an all day event to go everywhere.

Please share you experiences. Your help is greatly appreciated.

You might want to check out cruisecritic.com There are many posting that can help you. Go to boards and ports of call.

In Naples we hired a local guide and saw the sights the highlight of which was Pompei. Upon returning to our ship our dinnermates raved about driving the Amalfi coast. So you see it depends on what appeals to you most. As a huge history buff Pompei was a must but for others maybe something else is better. Pick the one that appeals to you the most and have fun in the Med.

In Tunis, we negotiated with a cab driver when we got off the ship. he took us to the Medina, where we did a self-guied walking tour, to the fabulous Bardo Museum, where we spent several hours, and on a driving tour of the city.

Great suggestions. Thanks! If anyone has advice on Provence/Nice area, please let me know. Thanks.

In Nice, go to St. Paul de vence(the best), Eze and Monaco if you can. We hired a private tour guide and she was able to take us everywhere in one day! Gorgeous!! For Naples, with a private driver, we saw Pompeii and the amalfi coast. It was such an amazing trip, we've planned another for next year! You will have a blast! Just remember to breathe and take a moment to really look around! Oh, and have gelato in Monaco and Naples.

Again, thank you for the response. Excellent suggestions...those are the same ones I was thinking about taking. I will go ahead and book them.

We cruised the Mediterranean last October, from Greece to Barcelona. Of all the ports, our favorite was Monte Carlo. Monaco is a beautiful place. We enjoyed the Palace tour, the garden, seeing the grave of Princess Grace and Prince Albert and the Jules Verne aquarium. So I'd highly recommend that.

We also took an excursion to Eze and wish we had more time there. Again recommended.

The last place that we really loved was Aix-en-Provence. If you have the opportunity to go there, take it. A lovely, walkable small city, much different than Marseille or Nice. I could have spend several days there easily.

xpi6tiva: do you recall the private tour guide/company you used in Nice? Was it bookedk through your hotel? We'll be in Nice Sept 17-19, 2006. Thx! k8rbug

Okay, excellent suggestions. I've booked the excursion to Monaco. I need 2 more pieces of help...this is tough! In Naples, I can see Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast but it's an all day excursion. There is an option to go to Capri, Sorrento too. Does anyone recommend these excursions? One last item, I'm having a tough time choosing between Nice/Eze or Nice/St. Paul de Vence...2 of you said either one. Any last minute suggestions? Thank you!

Is it really a 2.5 hour drive from Naples to Amalfi?
Thanks

Katerbug,
We hired her a year in advance to arriving in France. Her name is Sylvie de Cristo. She has been one of the best tour uides we have ever had! If she is available, book her! Here is her webiste which contains her contact info http://azur-guides-interpretes.com

She was able to take us to Nice, St. Paul de vence, Monte Carlo, and Villefranche all in one day and we never felt rushed at all. She also has the best stories to tell!

Henry1,
I highly recommned St. Paul de Vence over Eze. There is so much mmore to see and do in St. Paul de Vence. Eze features one huge hotel that is spread through out all the buildings on the "mountain" and a cactus farm at the top. Neat to see if you have time, but in my opinion, completely skipable.

The drive time from Naples to Amalfi depends on the time of year and traffic. We were there in October(off season). And since we first stopped in Pompeii and then contnued onto the coast it's hard to really know how long it took. The drive back took about 1.5-2 hours. We were nervous because it's the one port most people miss the ship in. We got back early. Whew!

Thanks again, I'm booking St. Paul de Vence and really looking forward to it.

Does anyone have a recommendation on a hotel when I return from the cruise? I'm staying a few days in Barcelona and would like to be within walking distance of some of the major attractions if at all possible?
Thanks

Try this one. We stayed there. Its very nice and centrally located in the Ramblas area yet is quiet at night.
www.avenidapalace.com

We stayed at Apsis Atrium Palace in Barcelona. It was very nice, clean & modern. In a great area and within walking distance to all major sites. They even provide complimentary juice and bottled water in the little room fridge. I have them booked again for next year. Oh, and the breakfast, for 8euros, is incredible. yum.

Oh, you can book online. Quick and easy.

http://www.hotel-atriumpalace.com/

Nice itself is a great city to visit.

Thanks again!

xpi6tiva: I emailed Sylvia but she was already booked! She seemed like such a nice person I'm sad she's booked. She did give me 3 other referrals, and she wanted to know who you were but all I can tell her is your Fodor site name! I haven't heard back from the other outfits (Dream Tours was one).